Tornado joe - thanks for all of the expert advice, I didn't know waking life was made in Flash, what an absolute nightmare! I really haven't put together a storyboard at all for the false awakening and lucid states, that's actually a really good point and I'm an idiot for not doing it!

I also really like the random movieclip loading idea, thats definitely something I will try, even if it's only in a few scenes. As for the wind gust thing, that was just an idea I put in quickly and I actually don't remember how I did it! I think I'll take it out anyway I was just trying out a few visual ideas. Thanks for the offer of help, It's much appreciated and I might well have a few small questions for you in a few days